penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən 

1

a

: the power to penetrate

especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely

b

: the depth to which something penetrates

c

: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market

2

: the act or process of penetrating: such as

a

: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished

b

: an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory

Choose the Right Synonym for penetration

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of penetration in a Sentence

Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body.

the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents

the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company

multiple penetrations into enemy territory

a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration

Recent Examples on the Web

The market growth is attributed to rising smartphone penetration, expanding digital audio consumption, and increasing investments in creator monetization ecosystems. —Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

This helps rehydrate uric acid crystals and increases enzyme penetration, explains Gonzalez. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026

If applied as a thick mulch or top dressing, coffee grounds can form a dense mat that reduces water and air penetration into the soil. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 May 2026

In California, a jury in 2023 found Weinstein guilty of three counts — forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and penetration by foreign object — against Jane Doe 1. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for penetration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of penetrating

2

a

: the depth to which something penetrates

b

: keen understanding

Medical Definition

penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the depth to which something penetrates

2

: the act or process of penetrating